NOBLEFORD – When staff, students and parents return to Noble Central School for the first day of class Tuesday, they won’t likely notice a lot of changes from when they walked out the doors at the end of last school year. Principal Greg Rollingson just asks them to use a little imagination.
“When the process is finished, it will be well worth the wait,” he says.
Palliser’s early learning to Grade 12 school in Nobleford is in the midst of an $8-million modernization, with the focus on improving access to staff, students and visitors with mobility challenges.
“I have to praise the staff and students for taking this challenging situation and making the best of it. Our staff is working hard to overcome the challenges of being in a smaller, temporary space, and our students have continued to work hard on their classroom activities,” says Rollingson, who has a word of advice for both as renovations continue. “Just keep being amazing.”
Students will still be using temporary classrooms set up in the gym the first day of school Tuesday. Once Phase 1 of the project is complete, likely by mid-November, they will return to the renovated south wing. That will enable the gym – once the floor is refinished – to be used for its intended purpose. Work will continue on the administration office and library, which will be temporarily relocated during Phase 2.
Rollingson is excited to see the new look when the first phase is completed.
“I've been able to have occasional inside looks at the construction zone, and the changes they are making are exciting,” he says. “The convenience of having our gym and updated modernized learning spaces will be very welcome.”
Once Phase 1 is complete, the students will enjoy brighter classrooms in the south wing. Not only have larger windows been installed, rooms on the second floor will feature much higher ceilings than previously.
Palliser Regional Schools also used the opportunity of the renovations to improve drainage around the building, which had been an issue at times.
Once students are moved out of the gym, Phase 2 can begin. Work on the north wing, washrooms and change rooms should be complete by April 2017. Upon completion the biggest change will be seen at the east entrance to the school. While three levels of flooring used to greet those entering Noble Central School, there will only be one level. Access to the second-floor library, above the office, will be through either a stairwell or the elevator.
The modernization work is the first major improvements to Noble Central School in about 40 years. The original, two-storey building was constructed in 1948 with the last addition made in 1975.
Noble Central School Modernization Photos
